how to charge

[ldrus]

Lately I have been asked several times to smoke fooe for people. Ribs,butts,bacon etc. How do you charge for something like this? O have taken one job so far and it was a slab of ribs for a slab of ribs

 

[frosty]

Ikrus,  Well, you don't want to lose money for doing someone a favor.

Depends on whether you are including the cost of the proteins or if they simply are essentially "renting" you and your smoker.

If you have a place close by that sells smoked meats,  (at best) you can mirror whatever they charge and possibly give a discount of some sort.  Generally, that includes the cost of the protein, supplies, consumables, etc. and still allows you to make a possible profit.

For example, a local place close  to home, (Rudys' Country Store) Charges $4.99 for a 1/2 chicken, $6.99 Brisket./1/2 Lb., Sausage $3.69/link.  I normally charge a little less when I do it.  For company functions, I simply charge whatever it costs me, no profit at all.

If they are just "renting" you and the smoker, you generally would charge a flat rate.

If I am smoking some things, I often ask if my neighbors ( in advance) if they are interested in " tossing something in" to fill the smoker.  In that case, since I am already footing the bill for the supplies, I simply tell them to toss in a couple of bucks for future fuel costs.  Most of the time, we just hang out and it is about a break even scenario.

I no longer have a license, so most of my efforts are for family, friends, and functions at work.  That being the case, I just try to make sure I don't actually lose my shirt and still enjoy the time spent with family, friends, and the occasional co-worker.

If you are considering doing it for a business, that is a different case altogether.

Either way best of luck to you!